Bonine and his wife live across the street. They were getting ready for work when their son told them their neighbor’s house was on fire. Within minutes, police officers and firefighters arrived at the home, they saw heavy smoke and fire from inside.

Bonine says because of the recent weather the owner thought the noise was something else.

"She woke up hearing crackling, popping noises and thought it was maybe hail and then smelled the smoke and got up, got her animals together and came out,” he said.

The Chattanooga Fire Department shared a picture showing how the fire destroyed the back end of the home.

Bonine said this is the second fire on his block since his family moved in.

He jumped in to help then and again this morning. Not because he had to, but because it's the right thing to do.

“It’s what neighbors are for; they're supposed to be there for each other in a time of need,” Bonine said.

Firefighters estimate the damages at $25,000. The cause is still under investigation.

PREVIOUS STORY: An early morning house fire in the 4600 block Carr Terrace sent firefighters out about 6 o'clock Monday morning.

The home's occupants, a woman and her two dogs, were able to escape the fire, neighbors tell Channel 3.